NATIVE Selects: New Music From Elaine, Bella Shmurda, Justin 99 & More

new releases this weekend

It’s that time again. Every day, new music shows up, sweeping fans and music lovers off their feet while artists gauge reactions to know the effect of their creativity. At the NATIVE, we are committed to keeping our ears on the pulse of the music scene and bringing the best sounds to your doorstep.

Earlier this week, we we brought you songs from Adekunle Gold, Tiwa Savage, Chike, Khaid and more. Today, we have songs that move from Afropop to Amapiano to R&B, with our select artists showcasing their unending talent and passion for creativity. Lock in!

BELLA SHMURDA FT. NASTY C – “PHILO (REMIX)”

Prelude to the release of his 15-track debut album, ‘Hypertension,’ Nigerian street pop pioneer, Bella Shmurda enlisted Omah Lay for a standout performance on “Philo.” As expected, the track became a mainstream success, sitting at the top of several national charts for weeks on end. For the remix, Bella Shmurda taps into South African music heavyweight, Nasty C for a stunning delivery. Still maintaining its catchy, fabled hook, Nasty C’s smooth vocals and flawless rhymes elevate the track to new heights. 

Nwanneamaka

QING MADI – “WHY” 

Confidence is an infectious trait in every artist and Qing Madi has an overdose. The soulfully energetic “See Finish” had introduced the Nigerian artist’s distinct style to listeners and she’s proven keen to keep soaring in good form. “Why” benefits from a stripped soundscape which allows her R&B-inflected vocals shine through. A reprisal against detractors, she sings for the protection of her individuality, a mood that’s best reflected in the lyrics, “No dey put your eyes for my business, cos you dey want to kill my spirit”

Emmanuel

YUMBS, UNCLE VINNY & JUSTIN 99 FT. PCEE – “PIKI PIKI” 

Viral Amapiano sensation, Justin 99 joins upcoming staples in the domineering genre, Yumbs, Uncle Vinny and Pcee for an intoxicating mid-tempo rendition assisted by the genre’s infamous log drums and shakers, incorporated with sweet-sounding flute notes. In usual ‘piano fashion, the track’s harmonious instrumentals took center stage with sonorous vocal embellishments, making its four-minute plus run a pleasurable sonic ride. 

 Nwanneamaka 

TOBY GREY – “PEACE OF MIND”

Over Benyjo’s R&B production, Nigeria-born, UK-based singer Toby Grey utilises “Peace of Mind” in praise of an unproblematic lover. She exudes a tone of gratefulness at the fact that her love isn’t the jealous and insecure type who seeks to deflate the woman in their lives. “Peace of Mind” is the kind of answer that a lot of people in love—man or woman—pray to the heavens for.

Uzoma

1UCID – “GREATEST”

Given the versatile nature of Afropop, it’s no surprise that diasporan sounds have increasingly merged with the traditional percussive style. Ghana-born artist 1UCID (pronounced as Lucid) has spent many years in America, and the subtleties between both cultures informs his music. “Greatest” has an energy he calls ‘AfroBlues,’ heavy on the emotive inflections of his voice as he charts his rise to musical glory. Mellow, groovy and packing lots of quotables through his rap cadences, it’s a conscious effort at finding middle ground between associate genres. 

Emmanuel

REMY BAGGINS – “IN MY BED”

Three years after his 2020 EP ‘Amaterasu!,’ multitalented Nigerian singer, rapper, singer and sound engineer Remy Baggins unleashes his latest single “In My Bed.” Produced by TMXO (with additional production efforts from Remy Baggins, Jaylon and Ramoni), Afropop-inspired “In My Bed” births Remy Baggins as a suave lover skilled in the matter of sexual pleasures, as he beckons to his lover to join him in the bedroom. The single also comes courtesy of a new deal with Sony Music West Africa.

Uzoma

ELAINE & BLXCKIE – “LOVING YOU” 

Teasing their collaboration for weeks now, Elaine and Blxckie have finally released “Loving You”. With both artists flying the unique flags of their craft, it’s a song that lends itself to the ethereal space between R&B and House music. Their voices are assured and carry the theme of love so well, with Elaine’s warm vocalising meeting the melodious crooning of Blxckie with such fine style. It’s the kind of song to be heard anywhere, whether in the heated spaces of intimacy or outdoors, where its dreamy progressions would surely serenade any audience. 

Emmanuel

MEDIKAL FT. SISTER DEBORAH – “COLD & TROPHIES”

How do you make an epic record from a Trap bounce? Medikal has the answers on “Cold & Trophies”. The Ghanaian rapper hasn’t always been the most accepted MC from those parts but when he raps, he delivers pretty well. On the new record, it’s not just the shiny synths or the decimating weight of his bars that makes it stand out. Rather it’s the scope, how the beat switches halfway and he flows into a falsetto, setting the scene for Sister Deborah to drop an effective closing verse. It’s a song that works on many levels. 

Emmanuel

WINNY – “DON’T LEAVE”

As she prepares for her debut self-titled EP, Nigerian singer Winny shares new single “Don’t Leave,” an infectious tune that blends Dancehall, Pop and R&B. Through her patios-inspired delivery, Winny expresses her affection for her man and pleads with him to not leave her side. Winny’s vocals are charged with emotions and the pain colouring the idea of abandonment is visceral. “Don’t Leave” is a must-listen.

Uzoma

SINACHI & DAN AKINS – “WICKED”

The soundscape of African music has never been as multifaceted as it is today. Bridging the peculiarities of different genres, ingenious musicians have been able to come up with a new sound. The talented duo of Sinachi and Dan Akins achieves just that on “Wicked”, a song that ripples with originality. With a drill-esque bounce permeating its glossy surface, Sinachi unfurls great rhyme schemes while Akins provides the warm background, lulling sweet adlibs which provides balance. “Mali” is also shared as part of the 2-pack single, switching up the production in a more melancholic style but the theme of love and desire is universal, as ever embedded with finesse onto the song’s distinct groove.

Emmanuel

 

MAJOR LEAGUE DJZ, MAJOR LAZER & BRENDA FASSIE – “MAMGOBHOZI”

It’s a meeting of the majors on “Mamgohbhozi”. Primed to release their collaborative project ‘Piano Republic’ on March 24, the super producers have debuted a new single which features the legendary Brenda Fassie. Pulling her ethereal vocals from the classic “Vulindlela”, they build great Piano sonics around the song. More than a great way of paying homage, it reconstructs the record in a contemporary light, setting grand expectations for the forthcoming project.

Emmanuel

 

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